 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: senator1214
Date: 2004-03-23 18:21
I've always wanted to know how mouthpiece makers like (Greg Smith, Walter Grabner, Pyne etc....) got into making mouthpieces and were did you learn this skill, And are the possibly any tips that you can give to someone like me who hopes learn about making mouthpieces: tools, blanks, etc......
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2004-03-23 21:09
<< (how you) got into making mouthpieces and were did you learn this skill, And are the possibly any tips that you can give to someone like me who hopes learn about making mouthpieces>>
Find a mouthpiece technician near you who is willing to spend time with you, and is willing to discuss/share their methods. Expect to pay them for their time.
You have to be willing to make/find/assemble your own tolls. There is no such thing as a "Mouthpiece Technician Tool Kit".
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Author: ron b
Date: 2004-03-24 02:18
Ferree's offers some basic tools and gauges as a starter kit. I believe, however, that your best bet is to follow Walt's advice (above response). Find someone willing to teach you, then gather your own tools as you progress.
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: William
Date: 2004-03-25 14:59
Santy Runyon once told me that he started making mouthpieces because there were not readily available when he was young and just learning how to play. He said he, starting making them "as a kid" and since then, "never played on a mouthpiece that he didn't make". Just another "necessity being the mother of invention" story, I guess, but nonetheless something else for you to think about. It certainly was successful for him, not only as a top-notch sax, clarinet and flute theater orchestra artist, but also as the founder of Runyon Mouthpieces, sold and used world wide.
My old university professor (DMA under Stanly Hasty) spent his entire teaching career measuring students mouthpieces, noting their playing charateristics on 3 by 5 cards and evenutally developing refacing and chamber specifications of his own based upon this research. I have a couple of his products and the play like a KasparBaySelmerChedevilleWhatever model with a "darkbrightchocolate" sound, but with excellance articulation and tonal focus in all registers. (I use mine for jazz and summer park concerts) But my point is, his workmanship and specifications were based upon extensive, meticulous reseach and study--definately not a "spur of the moment" venture.
Just a couple of stories for your consideration. Good luck!!!
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-03-25 15:06
One tip I heard is that if you decide to get into it, it's worth looking on ebay and finding one of those "batch of mouthpieces" going for sale. Often, you will end up paying much less for a batch of mouthpieces than if you were to order the same number of blanks. Then save the ones (if any) that are already good, and go to town on the others.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2004-03-25 22:21
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/MouthpieceWork/
Most of the contributors to the group listed above are helpful.
DO read through previous threads before posting your questions...there's little radical change in the way these things have been made in the past 50 years.
Everett Matson (who was a good dude) suggested that you standardize your procedure with the same type of mouthpiece for a foundation.
That way, you always know where you start.
I like the old Bundy 3 mouthpieces, they're good rubber, not too open at the tip and readily available.
EM liked the Selmer HS*
Many of the current 'makers' use the Zinner blanks - but those are expensive - keep cost in mind as your first efforts may be good as doorstops, and little else.
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